What Is 20th U.S. Women's Open

Overview

The 20th U.S. Women's Open, held in 1965, marked a significant milestone in women's professional golf. Conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the tournament showcased elite female golfers competing for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport. That year, the event was hosted at the historic Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield, New Jersey, a course known for its challenging layout and coastal winds.

Winner Mary Mills delivered a standout performance, capturing her sole U.S. Women's Open victory and solidifying her legacy in golf history. Her triumph was notable not only for the margin of victory but also for the context of the era, as women's golf was gaining visibility and structure. The 1965 championship reflected the growing competitiveness and professionalism of women's golf during the mid-20th century.

• 1965 marked the 20th edition of the U.S. Women's Open, first established in 1946 as a national championship for female golfers.
• Atlantic City Country Club, founded in 1897, hosted the event for the first time, presenting a par-72, 6,079-yard course.
• Mary Mills, representing the United States, shot a total of 293 (+5) over four rounds to claim the title.
• The margin of victory was three strokes, with Carol Sorenson and Carol Mann finishing tied for second at 296.
• This win made Mills the third woman to win multiple USGA titles, having previously won the 1963 Women's Western Open.

How It Works

The U.S. Women's Open operates under strict USGA regulations, combining stroke play, sectional qualifying, and a rigorous format to determine the champion. Unlike invitationals, it is open to any female golfer who qualifies, making it one of the most democratic major championships in golf.

• Qualifying Structure: Players must either earn exemptions or advance through sectional qualifying tournaments held across the U.S. and internationally. More than 1,000 players typically enter, with only around 156 making the final field.
• 72-Hole Format: The championship is played over four rounds of 18 holes. If the lead is tied after 72 holes, a two-hole aggregate playoff is used, followed by sudden death if needed.
• Course Setup: The USGA designs courses to emphasize precision, with narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens. In 1965, Atlantic City CC played to a par of 72 and a length of 6,079 yards.
• Scoring System: The player with the lowest total strokes after four rounds wins. In 1965, Mary Mills' 293 (+5) was the winning score, reflecting the course's difficulty.
• Amateur Eligibility: Female amateurs can qualify and compete, though they must meet strict handicap standards. In 1965, no amateur finished in the top 10.
• Prize Money: The winner in 1965 received $3,000 from a total purse of $20,000, a modest sum compared to today’s multi-million-dollar payouts.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 20th U.S. Women's Open to modern editions highlights significant evolution in format, participation, and prestige.

The table illustrates how the tournament has grown in scale and competitiveness. While the field size has remained consistent, advancements in equipment, training, and athleticism have led to lower scores and longer courses. The increase in prize money from $3,000 to $1.8 million reflects the rising commercial and cultural value of women's golf.

Why It Matters

The 20th U.S. Women's Open was a pivotal moment in the history of women's sports, highlighting both achievement and the challenges faced by female athletes in the 1960s. Mary Mills' victory not only elevated her career but also inspired future generations of women golfers.

• Mills' win demonstrated that women could compete at a high level, even with limited media coverage and sponsorship.
• The 1965 Open helped legitimize the LPGA Tour, which had been founded just a decade earlier in 1950.
• Victory at a USGA event brought national recognition, crucial for securing endorsements and public support.
• It underscored the importance of accessible qualifying, allowing amateurs and professionals to compete on equal footing.
• The tournament highlighted regional diversity, with players from across the U.S. and abroad participating.
• Historically, the 1965 Open is remembered as a turning point in the professionalization of women's golf.

Today, the U.S. Women's Open stands as one of the five major championships in women's golf, with a legacy rooted in events like the 20th edition. The 1965 championship remains a benchmark for perseverance, skill, and the slow but steady progress of gender equity in sports.